A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative Coach

Many artists feel trapped by traditional industry models—musicians relying on streaming, painters chasing galleries, filmmakers hoping for big studio deals. But what if you changed the game? Greg Holden’s post about ditching Spotify for physical album sales is just one example of how artists can take control. (Original post: https://www.threads.net/@gregholden/post/DFWhBXbPkKe ).Painters who bypas...

This week has been a whirlwind! I worked at the Grammys, which was an amazing experience, I’ve been continuing on with The Arbiters—recutting our proof-of-concept trailer to better reflect the updated script, continuing outreach, and… an actor I’d love to have in the film has shown interest! On top of that, I’m submitting to Anime Expo and planning other events to get The Arbiters in front of more...

Digital nomads and influencers might get by with a laptop, ring light, and hard drive—but my work demands so much more. In this episode, I showcase my mobile setup designed for filmmakers, podcasters, and creatives who need full functionality on the go. From hard drives and monitors to power backups, I’ll show you how I’ve built a workspace that travels anywhere. Whether you want to replicate it o...

If you could do anything for work, what would it be? In this episode, I challenge you to write down your ideal job—no judgment, no limits. Whether it’s reading books while gardening or something that doesn’t even exist yet, the first step is to get it all on paper. From there, you can begin shaping a realistic path toward your dream. Once you define it for yourself, you’ll have a clearer vision to...

Inspired by A Course in Miracles, this episode explores the profound idea that what you withhold from love is ultimately given to fear. I discuss why this concept matters and how embracing love over fear can reshape your relationships, decisions, and mindset. Learn how to identify when fear is holding you back and how choosing love can lead to a more fulfilling and courageous life. Here are some p...

Ever feel like certain rules or systems just don’t fit you? In this episode, I explore how the more different you are from those who created the rules, the more critical it is to question and adapt them. From science (where studies often default to men as the standard) to societal norms, we dive into why it’s essential to think critically about the frameworks we live in—and how to pave your own pa...

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we explore The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple, a heartwarming and emotional story about finding meaning, friendship, and purpose in unexpected places. Murray McBride, a lonely 100-year-old retired Major League ballplayer, finds renewed purpose when he meets 10-year...

Imagine how much kinder and more united we’d be if every American traveled to all 50 states. In this episode, I share my thoughts on why a nationwide program to fund state-by-state travel for students—from elementary to high school—could transform how we see each other. Similar to how global travel broadens perspectives and fosters understanding of different cultures, exploring our own country cou...

Uncertainty isn’t something to fear—it’s the only certainty. In this episode, I share the wisdom of Dr. Ellen Langer, often called the “Mother of Mindfulness,” who spoke about this powerful concept on a recent episode of PRETTYSMART. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reversing-aging-and-rethinking-health-what-harvards/id1550883345?i=1000683284555. Discover how Dr. Langer’s perspec...

In this episode, I reflect on my latest project—a 2D animated film that I simply cannot make alone. It’s been humbling to lean on my team as we get creative to secure funding and navigate the global film market. I share some key lessons I’ve learned along the way, from the challenges of indie filmmaking to the strategies we’re exploring to bring this ambitious project to life. Then, I shift gears...

United States radio host Bernard Meltzer, known for his advice call-in show that ran from 1967 to the 1990s, shared a powerful quote that remains relevant today: “Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid.” In this episode, I dive deep into the wisdom of this quot...

In a world that often feels disconnected, building a strong local community of support is more vital than ever. Your community—friends, neighbors, colleagues, and like-minded individuals—can provide encouragement, resources, and opportunities to help you thrive personally and professionally. In this episode, I discuss the importance of cultivating a local network, how it fosters growth, and why it...

FreeFileSync is an incredible, open-source tool that simplifies file synchronization and backup. In this episode, I dive into the benefits of using FreeFileSync, from its efficiency and reliability to its ability to save time and prevent data loss. While this isn’t a step-by-step tutorial, I’ll provide an overview of what makes it a go-to tool for file management and why it’s worth exploring for b...

Charles Bukowski’s poem Dinosauria, We is a haunting reflection on humanity’s path toward destruction. With vivid imagery and raw honesty, Bukowski warns us about societal decay, environmental collapse, and the dangers of apathy. In this episode, I break down Bukowski’s powerful words, exploring their deeper meaning and relevance in today’s world. What lessons can we learn from his grim vision? Ho...

The past week and a half have been a whirlwind as I navigated the chaos of the LA wildfires. In this episode, I share my personal experiences of what happened, how I’m processing the aftermath, and the strange journey of returning to normalcy. It’s been surreal, and I’m reflecting on the challenges, the lessons learned, and what might lie ahead. Join me for an honest and heartfelt look at this lif...

In this episode, I share my journey of buying more locally—from farmer’s markets to independent bookstores to non-franchise restaurants. It's about keeping money in the community, supporting small businesses, and saying no to billionaire corporations. Shopping locally has helped me connect more with my neighbors and make a meaningful impact. I also challenge you to do the same and explore other wa...

In this vlog, I look back on December 2024—a month of balancing creative work early on before pausing to enjoy the holidays. I share personal reflections on the year that was and the year to come, highlighting the prompts I used (available on my Patreon) to guide my thoughts. Join me as I explore my intentions for the new year, some random musings on life, and how joy can be a powerful form of res...

In this episode, I delve into Simon Sinek’s transformative 8-minute friend concept—a thoughtful way to support your friends during tough times. The idea is simple: when someone is struggling, they can reach out and ask, “Do you have 8 minutes?” This phrase acts as a subtle code to signal that something is wrong, replacing the more generic and often overlooked “Can we talk?” The beauty of this appr...

Accidentally closed your Chrome window and lost all your tabs? Don’t panic! In this quick tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to restore your tabs and pick up right where you left off. Save time, avoid frustration, and keep your browsing organized with this simple guide. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Yours truly, Phil Svitek Filmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach...

Join me as I reveal my top 10 movies of 2024! With 98 films watched this year, this list highlights the ones that left the biggest impression on me. While I haven’t seen every movie released, I’d love to hear your favorites—share your top picks in the comments, and let’s celebrate a great year in cinema together! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Yours truly, Phil Svitek Filmmaker, autho...

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek. If you’re passionate about books, you’re in the right place! This month, we dive into Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton, a darkly comedic and heartfelt tale of a domesticated crow navigating a post-apocalyptic world. We’ll explore the book’s unique blend of humor and eco-fiction, its unforge...

In this episode, I share a time-saving strategy I use when working with clients: sending multiple options upfront for videos, audio edits, or copywriting. Knowing revisions are inevitable, I anticipate their needs by presenting the expected choice and an alternative. This approach streamlines the process, reduces back-and-forth, and minimizes the time spent reopening and revising projects. Don't f...

In this episode, I share my approach to staying organized and efficient, whether I’m a manager or an employee. Weekly task lists are my secret weapon for ensuring everyone is on the same page, responsibilities are clear, and nothing falls through the cracks. Learn how this simple strategy fosters accountability, boosts productivity, and keeps teams focused on their goals. Don't forget to like, sha...

In this episode, I share my experience participating in the American Film Market’s Pitch Competition and the valuable lessons I learned about pitching film and TV projects effectively. Whether you’re pitching a feature film or a series, these 10 essential elements will help you craft a compelling, concise, and market-ready 2-minute pitch. From creating a captivating hook to highlighting your uniqu...

Are your YouTube thumbnails missing when using the Smash Balloon Feeds for YouTube plugin on WordPress? This issue can make your site look unpolished and confuse users who can’t see which video they’re clicking on. In this quick tutorial, I’ll show you the simple fix to resolve the problem and ensure your thumbnails load properly on the front end. Don't let this small bug ruin your site’s appearan...